Traditional values shared by many Christians, the threat of the nearby war in Ukraine, and a sense of protection of the country from outside influences are some of the reasons, say two Hungarian evangelical leaders.

Viktor Orbán faces a united opposition coalition in the parliamentary vote of 3 April. The war in Ukraine has strongly shaped the campaign. Serbia also holds elections.

LGBT groups speak of a “dark” moment for human rights, but evangelicals see it as a “protection” for families and children.

The Hungarian Evangelical Alliance works to have a “balanced” and “independent” approach to society, says Istvan Horvath. Western European countries should not impose their worldview on the country.

Hungarian and Italian leaders meet in Milan with the 2019 EU Parliament elections in mind. “There are two sides at the moment in Europe”, Hungarian President Orbán said.

The Eurosceptic party Fidesz gets two thirds of the parliament’s seats. The Prime Minister will now be able to make deep constitutional changes.

More than 300 participated in the first conference on Christian persecution held in Budapest.

Detained asylum seekers enter hunger strike as President Janos Ader is re-elected. Christian expert Paul Sydnor says new measures only result in people “becoming re-traumatized.”